Europe’s first Vision Zero road is good news for motorcyclists

The first stretch of road in Europe built according to the goals of Vision Zero has been hailed as a milestone for motorcycle safety by the president of the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA).

Hans Petter Strifeldt says the 15km stretch of RV32 road in Norway puts motorcycling back into the heart of Vision Zero, a strategy designed to help road authorities build safer roads with the aim of achieving zero deaths or serious injuries, after several years where the views of motorcyclists has been left out.

“It’s important for us to have this road. It shows that it’s possible to have a safe road that includes bikes,” Strifeldt told MCN.

Road engineers Jan Petter Lyng and Bjorn R. Kirste spent two years evaluating the stretch, before implementing measures including cutting back vegetation to improve the line-of-sight through bends, and installing motorcycle-friendly crash barriers.

The improvements cost around £500,000 to implement, which Strifeldt says will be an important factor in persuading other countries in Europe to implement Vision Zero.

“It’s an opportunity for us to shape future road policies. Motorcycling communities should be on board,” he said.